How Is a High Priest Selected?

Question: When the third Holy Temple is built—may it be soon—how, and by what criteria, will the new high priest be chosen? Answer: Before we discuss the appointment of the high priest with the coming of Moshiach, let’s first discuss the nature of this exalted position, as well as review the general rules that relate to the installment of a new high priest. The high priest’s most significant task was entering the Holy of Holies chamber on Yom Kippur to attain atonement for all of Israel. At this time, our sages tell us, the holiest elements of creation converge: See Maamar BaSukkot Teishvu 5738. Yom Kippur, the holiest day; the Holy of Holies, the holiest location; and the high priest, the holiest individual. According to tradition, if the high priest was not perfectly righteous, he would pass away upon entering the Holy of Holies—a place that tolera